Kanye West's Charity Launches Free Music Writing Program in Chicago

Kanye West’s nonprofit— Donda’s House, named in honor of the rapper’s late mother—has introduced a free music writing program called “Got Bars?” that aims to help at-risk Chicago students, according to WBEZ.

“Got Bars?” is a 10-week program designed to teach students between the ages of 15 and 24 how to write and record music. The endeavor is a collaboration between Donda House and St. Sabina Church, where the program will be based. And rest assured: The instructors will know their stuff, as Rhymefest—co-founder of Donda’s House and contributing writer for Yeezus—will be one of them.

Not only will there be emphasis on musical expression and creativity, but courses will also cover physical health and wellness. Donnie Smith, the organization’s executive director, revealed in an interview with Jet that a former football player will even come in to educate students about fitness plans, nutrition and yoga. There’s no word yet on whether they’ll follow Kanye’s Workout Plan.

The 15-24 age range may seem old compared to the younger demographic of similar charities, but Smith and Ryhmefest say that’s the idea. “If you look at individuals who perpetuate violence in the city, that’s the age range,” Smith told Jet. With so few programs targeted towards older teens, he says they are in even more need of help. In Kanye’s words, “you know the kids gonna act a fool/when you stop the programs for after school.”

We want to get kids in high school, that young adult age range who are confused about where they are in life. We want to give them direction so many people have just given up on that demographic,” Smith said.

Students can apply for “Got Bars?” until Aug. 2, and the Donda’s House intends to eventually make it a national program.